Cal Raleigh Sets New Mariners Home Run Record
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has made history by breaking the franchise record for home runs in a season, previously set by Ken Griffey Jr. Raleigh hit his 57th home run on Saturday night, surpassing the 56 home runs that Griffey Jr. achieved in the 1997 and 1998 seasons. This achievement puts Raleigh within reach of 60 home runs, a figure that few players have reached in MLB history.In addition to surpassing Griffey Jr.’s record, Raleigh had already broken other significant records this season, including the most home runs for a catcher and for a switch-hitter in a season. If Raleigh manages to hit 60 home runs, he would become the seventh player in MLB history to reach this mark. The historic home run occurred in the top of the third inning, against the Astros’ left-handed pitcher, Framber Valdez. Raleigh, batting from the right side of the plate, hit a fly ball that easily cleared the right-center field bullpen.“It’s kind of weird to think about,” Raleigh said after the game, which the Mariners won 6-4. “I really can’t wrap my head around it or take it in yet. I’m very grateful and it’s weird to be in the same sentence as him.”
Cal Raleigh
This was Raleigh’s 18th home run of the season on pitches located on the outside part of the plate, the second most in the league. After hitting the home run, Raleigh calmly ran the bases, showing little emotion, and after celebrating with his teammates in the dugout, he received the team’s trident with a slight smile. Raleigh revealed that he has been in contact with Griffey Jr. during the season, but had not yet received a message from him on Saturday night. In 1927, Babe Ruth was the first player to reach 60 home runs, a record that stood for 34 years. Now, Raleigh seeks to reach 60 home runs and could threaten Aaron Judge’s mark, with seven games remaining on the Mariners’ schedule. In addition, Raleigh competes with Judge for the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.“We’ve seen some epic home runs and to see him hit it the opposite way in that part of the stadium, it was really well hit,” commented manager Dan Wilson. “Another mark for him. An incredible season.”
Dan Wilson
